Flossing system

ABSTRACT

A flossing system including a cradle and a housing. The flossing system includes an array of floss cartridges having a length of floss. The array of floss cartridges include a pair of coupling members each coupled to opposite ends of the length of floss. Each floss cartridge includes a coupling structure. The flossing system includes a pair of floss handles disposed on the cradle and selectably coupleable to the coupling members. The pair of floss handles include a cylindrical body. The pair of floss handles include a release mechanism configured to selectably disengage the floss handle from the coupling member. The release mechanism includes an actuation member disposed through a back end of the cylindrical body of each of the pair of floss handles. The pair of floss handles each include a top aperture configured to receive the coupling structure of the pair of coupling members.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This invention claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. §120, to the U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/384,799 to Jeromi Stewart filed onSep. 21, 2010, which is incorporated by reference herein. Thisapplication is a Divisional Application of, under 35 U.S.C. §121, andclaims priority to, under 35 U.S.C. §121, U.S. Non-ProvisionalApplication No. 13/236,290, entitled Flossing System, by Stewart et al.,filed on Sep. 19, 2011.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to dental hygiene devices, specifically toa dental flossing system.

2. Description of the Related Art

Dental floss is either a bundle of thin nylon filaments or a plastic(Teflon or polyethylene) ribbon used to remove food and dental plaquefrom teeth. The floss is gently inserted between the teeth and scrapedalong the teeth sides, especially close to the gums. Dental floss may beflavored or unflavored, and waxed or unwaxed. An alternative tool toachieve the same effect is the interdental brush or specialized plasticwands, or floss picks, have been produced to hold the floss. These maybe attached to or separate from a floss dispenser. While not pinchingthe finger, using a wand may be awkward and also make it difficult tofloss at all the angles possible with a finger. At the same time, theenhanced reach can make flossing the back teeth easier. Someimprovements have been made in the field. Examples of references relatedto the present invention are described below in their own words, and thesupporting teachings of each reference are incorporated by referenceherein:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,895,977, issued to Guo, discloses a dental flossing toolfor dispensing floss for cleaning the user's teeth. A handle bodysurrounds a cavity and has a lead riser from which dental floss isdispensed for use. The floss is wound upon a spool that rotates insidethe cavity. Floss is paid out from the spool and emerges from a hole inthe tip of the lead riser. A button or handle is slidably mounted uponthe apparatus for controlling the longitudinal movement of a retainerwithin the cavity of the apparatus. By sliding the button handle forwardand backward, the user can disengage and engage the retainer with abaffle attached to the spool inside the body of the apparatus. When theretainer is in contact with the baffle, the spool is prevented fromrotating, thereby stopping any further floss from being dispensed. Whenthe retainer is disengaged out of contact with the baffle, the spool isfree to rotate to pay out floss. A removable protector is provided forcovering the lead riser and a floss cutter blade attached to theexterior of the apparatus. The protector can be removed to the back endof the apparatus to extend its graspable portion for easier handling.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,109, issued to Moore, discloses a dental flossingtool and method for flossing of the teeth using that tool is provided.The tool includes two elongated, rod-shaped handle elements and a lengthof dental floss that is removably secured at its opposite ends torespective ones of the handle elements at their terminal ends. Eachhandle element is provided with a bulb at the terminal end to which thefloss is attached with the bulbs being larger in transversecross-section relative to the longitudinal axis of its handle elementthan is the adjacent portion of the handle element. This results in adepressed annular region in which floss is wound and functions to retainthe floss on a handle element. Each handle element includes a hand-gripsection disposed in remote relationship to the terminal end providedwith a bulb enabling a user to grip the element in a respective hand forsupport thereof and independent manipulation in effecting a flossingoperation. The user holds the handle elements in separated relationshipto maintain the floss extending between the terminal ends taut as anoperative flossing section while inserting it between a pair of adjacentteeth and moving it to effect removal of debris. At intermittentintervals the user revolves the handle elements to concurrently unreel alength of floss from one and reel a length onto the other therebyplacing an unused section of floss in an operative position and placingthe previously used section on a handle element for storage until beingdiscarded upon termination of a flossing operation.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,446, issued to Wiltshire, discloses a dental flossdevice and applicator assembly comprising a pair of separate,substantially elongate members with each member having spaced apart topand bottom end portions with a gripping section located between the topand bottom end portions, a plurality of dental floss segments, and aslot formed in the top end portion of each member that has a prongprotruding from the slot for releasably holding one of the dental flosssegments (STRAND) within the slot. An alignment channel or groove canalso be formed in the top end portion and located adjacent to the slotto hold and guide the STRAND within the alignment channel or groovewithout requiring a user to manipulate the STRAND with the user'sfingers as the prong engages and holds the STRAND under the prong. Themembers are of sufficient length to allow a user to insert the membersinto a person's mouth with the STRAND attached to the top end portion ofthe members to clean all surfaces of the person's teeth withoutrequiring the user to insert the user's fingers into the person's mouth.Further, the user does not have to manipulate the STRAND with the user'sfingers when cleaning the person's teeth. The dental floss device andapplicator assembly can also include a kit for storing the members and acontainer of dental floss segments.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,233, issued to Laughlin, discloses a tool for thedental flossing of teeth and a precut length of dental floss havinggripping attachments secured to the ends of the length of floss. Theprecut length(s) of floss are configured so as to facilitate thegripping of the attachments by the flossing tool. The tool is fullyoperable by the use of one hand.

The inventions heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantageswhich include being difficult to use, being difficult to control, beingtoo slow, being non-durable, being dangerous to use, being unable toreach certain areas of the mouth, being non-portable, beinguncomfortable to use, being expensive, being bulky, being inefficient,being limited in application, being limited in use, being limited inmovement, not being ergonomic, being difficult for children to use,taking too long to use, blocking fingertip circulation, being difficultto travel with, being fragile, and being cumbersome to use.

What is needed is a flossing system that solves one or more of theproblems described herein and/or one or more problems that may come tothe attention of one skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with thisspecification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in response to the presentstate of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems andneeds in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currentlyavailable dental flossing devices. Accordingly, the present inventionhas been developed to provide an efficient and effective device forflossing teeth.

According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a flossing systemthat may include a cradle. The floss system may include a housing thatmay be configured to receive the cradle and cover a top portion thereof.The flossing system may include an array of floss cartridges that may bedisposed on the cradle. The array of floss cartridges may be disposedalong each side of the cradle. The array of floss cartridges may includea length of floss. The array of floss cartridges may include a pair ofcoupling members each may be coupled to opposite ends of the length offloss. Each floss cartridge may include a coupling structure.

The flossing system may include a pair of floss handles that may bedisposed on the cradle and may be selectably coupleable to the couplingmembers. The cradle may include a pair of channels that may beconfigured to receive the pair of floss handles. The pair of flosshandles may include a cylindrical body. The pair of floss handles mayinclude a release mechanism that may be disposed within the cylindricalbody and may be configured to selectably disengage the floss handle fromthe coupling member. The release mechanism may include an actuationmember that may be disposed through a back end of the cylindrical bodyof each of the pair of floss handles. The pair of floss handles may eachinclude a top aperture that may be configured to receive the couplingstructure of the pair of coupling members. The coupling structure of thepair of coupling members may each include an attachment member that mayhave an attachment end that may be configured to retractably fit insidethe top aperture of each floss handle. The pair of floss handles mayeach include a receiving member that may be configured to securelyattach to the attachment end of the attachment member. The receivingmember may be coupled to the release mechanism of the floss handle thatmay be configured to release the attachment end from the receivingmember.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, orsimilar language does not imply that all of the features and advantagesthat may be realized with the present invention should be or are in anysingle embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to thefeatures and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language,throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to thesame embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that theinvention can be practiced without one or more of the specific featuresor advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additionalfeatures and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments thatmay not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become morefully apparent from the following description and appended claims, ormay be learned by the practice of the invention as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, amore particular description of the invention briefly described abovewill be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that areillustrated in the appended drawing(s). It is noted that the drawings ofthe invention are not to scale. The drawings are mere schematicsrepresentations, not intended to portray specific parameters of theinvention. Understanding that these drawing(s) depict only typicalembodiments of the invention and are not, therefore, to be considered tobe limiting its scope, the invention will be described and explainedwith additional specificity and detail through the use of theaccompanying drawing(s), in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cradle and a housing of a flossingsystem including a flossing tool, according to one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is side cross-sectional view of a pair of floss handles of aflossing system, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a pair of floss handles of aflossing system, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a floss cartridge of a flossingsystem, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a floss handle of a flossing system,according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 a side cross-sectional view of a floss handle of a flossingsystem, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a housing of a flossing system,according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a housing of a flossing system, accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodimentsillustrated in the drawing(s), and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitationof the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations andfurther modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, andany additional applications of the principles of the invention asillustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant artand having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered withinthe scope of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to an “embodiment,” an “example”or similar language means that a particular feature, structure,characteristic, or combinations thereof described in connection with theembodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the presentinvention. Thus, appearances of the phrases an “embodiment,” an“example,” and similar language throughout this specification may, butdo not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, to differentembodiments, or to one or more of the figures. Additionally, referenceto the wording “embodiment,” “example” or the like, for two or morefeatures, elements, etc. does not mean that the features are necessarilyrelated, dissimilar, the same, etc.

Each statement of an embodiment, or example, is to be consideredindependent of any other statement of an embodiment despite any use ofsimilar or identical language characterizing each embodiment. Therefore,where one embodiment is identified as “another embodiment,” theidentified embodiment is independent of any other embodimentscharacterized by the language “another embodiment.” The features,functions, and the like described herein are considered to be able to becombined in whole or in part one with another as the claims and/or artmay direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.

As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “is,” “are,”“characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive oropen-ended terms that do not exclude additional unrecited elements ormethod steps. “Comprising” is to be interpreted as including the morerestrictive terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”

Advantageously, the device permits users to form a C-shapedconfiguration during flossing, which permits enhanced removal ofmaterials between teeth. Devices having inflexible or fixed positionbraces for the floss lengths do not permit this.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cradle and a housing of a flossingsystem, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown aflossing system 10 including a pair of floss handles 16 and a pluralityof floss cartridges 18 disposed within a cradle 12 that may be disposedwithin a housing 14.

The illustrated floss system 10 includes a housing 14 configured toreceive the cradle 12 and cover a top portion thereof. The illustratedhousing 14 includes an aperture 15 configured to be sized and shaped toreceive a back profile of the cradle 12 and secure the cradle 12therein. The housing 14 provides covering and protection to the cradleand the contents thereof from dust, fluids, disturbance and otherundesired interaction during travel and other times when the system isnot actively being used. A housing may include one or more flat orcurved surfaces that may be coupled to one or more couplingmembers/devices such as but not limited to ridges, hook and loopportions, tongue and groove members, clips, hooks, and the like andcombinations thereof. A housing may be fluid/water/air/etc. tight and/ormay include one or more decorative elements thereon including but notlimited to logos, graphics, minors, textured surfaces, and the like andcombinations thereof.

The illustrated flossing system 10 includes a cradle 12. The illustratedcradle 12 includes a pair of channels configured to receive and supporta pair of floss handles 16 thereon. The pair of channels are disposedlongitudinally along a central region of the cradle 12. The pair ofchannels include a profile configured to be sized and shaped to receivea pair of floss handles 16. The flossing system 10 includes a pair offloss handles 16 disposed on the cradle 12. The cradle 14 also includesa plurality of dividers generating an array of receptacles for holdingthe floss cartridges 18. The illustrated dividers are shaped andpositioned to form the pair of channels and the receptacles that nestthe floss cartridges 18 and the floss handles 16. Two sets of theillustrated dividers are shaped with an extended upper region to helpsecure the floss handles in the channels more tightly. Channels andreceptacles may be formed through a variety of structures, including butnot limited to quilted flexible materials, channeled plastic/elasticmaterials, arrays of coupling members/materials such as but not limitedto magnets, hook and loop, straps, clips, tongue and groove, and thelike and combinations thereof.

The illustrated array of floss cartridges 18 is disposed within thecradle 12 in an array along the length of the cradle 12. The couplingmembers 20 of the cartridges 18 are disposed on each side of the cradle14 and the floss itself (See FIG. 2) lies between paired couplingmembers 20. The array of floss cartridges 18 include a coupling member20 configured to selectably couple to a floss handle 16. The illustratedcoupling members 20 are configured to be extending outwardly from acentral region of the cradle 12. Advantageously, the floss cartridges 18are available for use and coupling to the floss handles 16 when thefloss handles are removed from the cradle 12. Where floss cartridges areused to a point where they should be discarded, the cartridge may bediscarded and another conveniently coupled to the floss handles.Accordingly, the floss handles may be reused.

The illustrated pair of floss handles 16 are sized and shaped to nestwithin the cradle and include one or more coupling members/devicesconfigured to selectably coupleable to a coupling member 20 of a flosscartridge 18. The floss handles 16 include one or more devices forselectably coupling/decoupling the floss cartridges thereto, such as butnot limited to connectors (such as but not limited to hooks, snaps,friction engagement, latches, pins, and the like and combinationsthereof), disconnectors (such as but not limited to movable engagementdevices, levers, devices that change the effective size of an object,and the like and combinations thereof), and activation members (buttons,switches, spring operated activators, and the like and combinationsthereof) and the like and combinations thereof.

The floss handles are shaped and sized to permit a user to manipulatethe same with their hands such that a floss filament associated with afloss cartridge may be disposed within the mouth and placed betweenadjacent teeth such that material may be removed therefrom for thehealth of the user. Advantageously, the floss handles provide leverageand extension of the users own hands thereby effectively strengtheningthe user in relation to the task to be performed and facilitating thedexterous use thereof. This is particularly helpful when children areusing the devices as children generally lack the strength and dexterityof adults and therefore may more easily misuse or be frustrated byflossing tools designed and optimized for adults. Further, because thefloss handles do not limit arcuate positioning of the floss filament,the floss may be positioned in a C-style formation about the teeth whenin use. Such a formation is known to be very effective at leaning thespace between adjacent teeth.

In operation a user may take a system to a location with the memberscoupled together within the housing. The user may withdraw the cradlefrom the housing and withdraw the floss handles from the cradle. Theuser may engage a floss cartridge with the floss handles by selectablycoupling the floss cartridge therebetween. Then the user may engage inthe process of flossing. Where desired, the user may push a releasebutton or otherwise actively disengage the floss cartridge from thefloss handles and may discard the floss cartridge or return it to thecradle.

FIG. 2 is side cross-sectional view of a pair of floss handles of aflossing system, according to one embodiment of the invention. There isshown a pair of floss handles 16 coupled to a floss cartridge 18 andthereby coupled to each other through the floss filament of the flosscartridge. Accordingly, the floss handles together with the flosscartridge generate a unitary flossing tool that a user may manipulatewith hands to clean spaces between teeth.

The illustrated flossing system includes a pair of floss handles 16selectably coupleable to a floss cartridge 18. The floss cartridge 18includes a pair of coupling members 20 coupled together by a length offloss, or floss filament, 30. The pair of coupling members 20 are eachcoupled to opposite ends of the length of floss 30. Such coupling may beby any of various methods including but not limited to friction fitting,welding, knotted (or otherwise oversized) floss ends, and the like andcombinations thereof. Floss may extend through one or more aperturesthrough coupling members. Each floss cartridge 18 includes a couplingstructure configured to selectably couple to a floss handle 16. Theillustrated coupling structure includes biased extensions, or prongs,having hook-shaped heads that engage an appropriately shaped protrusionwhen inserted into a cavity having such a protrusion. Advantageously,when the illustrated coupling structure engages, the coupling structuresnaps into place and may naturally generate a tactile and/or audiblesignal that cues the user to know that the coupling structure is snuglyin place and ready to use.

The illustrated pair of floss handles 16 includes a cylindrical body 32having an inner neck portion that forms a narrowed region and anexpanded region that permits engagement of the hook-shaped headsthereon. The pair of floss handles 16 include a release mechanism 36disposed within the cylindrical body 32 and configured to selectablydisengage the floss handle 16 from the coupling member 20. Theillustrated release mechanism 36 includes an actuation member, orbutton, 34 disposed through a flexible back end portion 38 of thecylindrical body 32 of each of the pair of floss handles 16. Theillustrated back end portion 38 includes an accordion-style material offlexible or partially flexible material such that its effective size maybe changed under force while protecting a user from pinching or otherundesired effects of having ones hands near two objects that are movablerelative to each other. The button 34 is functionally coupled to a biasmember (spring) that is positioned and engaged with an interior of thebody of the floss handle such that the spring pushes against the buttonand resists the depression thereof. When the button is pressed, a cupshaped member functionally coupled to the button engages with ends ofthe coupling member in a manner that disengages the coupling member fromthe floss handles so that the coupling member may be withdrawn anddecoupled from the floss handle.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a pair of floss handles of aflossing system, according to one embodiment of the invention. There isshown a pair of floss handles 16 coupled together by a floss cartridge18.

The illustrated pair of floss handles 16 are coupled together by a flosscartridge 18. The floss cartridge 18 includes a pair of coupling membersattached by a length of floss and configured to selectably couple to apair of floss handles 16. The illustrated pair of floss handles 16 eachinclude a cylindrical body 32. The pair of floss handles 16 includes arelease mechanism 36 disposed within the cylindrical body 32 andconfigured to selectably disengage the floss handle 16 from a couplingmember of the floss cartridge 18. The release mechanism 36 includes anactuation member 34 disposed through a back end of the cylindrical body32 of each of the pair of floss handles 16.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a floss cartridge of a flossingsystem, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown afloss cartridge 18 including a pair of engaged coupling members 20 and alength of floss 30.

The illustrated floss cartridge 18 includes a length of floss 30. Thefloss cartridge 18 includes a pair of coupling members 20 each coupledto opposite ends of the length of floss 30. Each floss cartridge 18includes a coupling structure 50. The coupling structure 50 of the pairof coupling members 20 each includes an attachment member 52 having anattachment end 54 configured to retractably fit inside a top aperture ofa floss handle 16. The pair of floss handles 16 each include a receivingmember 56 configured to securely attach to the attachment end 54 of theattachment member 52. The receiving member 56 is coupled to a releasemechanism of the floss handle 16 that is configured to release theattachment end 54 from the receiving member 56. The attachment end 54 isadjacent a detachment member 33 that includes a cup-shaped endconfigured to engage the attachment member in a manner that causes theattachment member to disengage with the floss handle when the detachmentmember is moved relative to the attachment end. In the illustratedexample, the detachment member 33 is moved towards the attachment endthereby engaging with the ramp-shaped end of the attachment end andcausing the same to be displaced towards the main axis of the flosshandle. This motion disengages the hook-shaped portion of the attachmentend from the interior surface of the floss handle and thereby permitsthe user to detach the same from the floss handle.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a floss handle of a flossing system,according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a flosshandle 16 including a cylindrical body 32, and a release mechanism 36.

The illustrated floss handle 16 includes a cylindrical body 32. Thecylindrical body 32 is configured to support and protect the componentsof the floss handle. The cylindrical body 32 is configured to provide arigid structure to manipulate and maneuver a length of floss betweenteeth. The floss handle 16 includes a release mechanism 36 disposedwithin the cylindrical body 32 and configured to selectably disengagethe floss handle 16 from a coupling member of a floss cartridge. Therelease mechanism 36 includes a biased member 60 configured tocompression release a coupling member from the floss handle 16. Therelease mechanism 36 includes an actuation member 34 disposed through aback end 38 of the cylindrical body 32 of the floss handle 16. The flosshandle 16 includes a top aperture 40 configured to receive a couplingstructure of a coupling member of a floss cartridge of a flossingsystem. The floss handle 16 includes a detachment member 33 thatincludes a cup-shaped end configured to engage an attachment member in amanner that causes the attachment member to disengage with the flosshandle 16 when the detachment member 33 is moved relative to theattachment end.

FIG. 6 a side cross-sectional view of a floss handle of a flossingsystem, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown afloss handle 16 including a cylindrical body 32, a release mechanism 36,and a receiving member 46.

The illustrated floss handle 16 includes a cylindrical body 32. Thefloss handle 16 includes a release mechanism 36 disposed within thecylindrical body and be configured to selectably disengage the flosshandle 16 from a coupling member 20 of a floss cartridge. The releasemechanism 36 includes an actuation member 34 disposed through a back endof the cylindrical body 32 of the floss handle 16. The floss handle 16includes a top aperture 40 configured to receive a coupling structure 50of the coupling member 20. The coupling structure 50 of the couplingmember 20 includes an attachment member 42 configured to couple to thefloss handle 16. The attachment member 42 includes an attachment end 44configured to retractably fit inside the top aperture 40 of the flosshandle 16. The illustrated attachment member 42 includes a pair ofopposing flanges configured to compress toward one another and couple toa receiving member 46 of the floss handle. The attachment end 44includes an angled protrusion disposed on an end of a flange andconfigured to secure the attachment member 42 to the floss handle. Thereceiving member 46 is configured to securely attach to the attachmentend 44 of the attachment member 42. The receiving member 46 is coupledto the release mechanism 34 of the floss handle 16 and configured torelease the attachment end 44 from the receiving member 46. Thereceiving member 46 includes a cavity larger than the cavity of the topaperture of the floss handle, thereby securing the angled protrusions ofthe attachment member therein.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a side elevational view and a top plan view ofa housing of a flossing system, according to one embodiment of theinvention. There is shown a housing 14 of a flossing system.

The illustrated housing 14 is shaped to secure and support a cradle 12of a flossing system. The cradle 12 is configured to be disposed withinthe housing 14. The illustrated cradle 12 includes an aperture covercoupled to an end of the cradle 12. The aperture cover 25 is configuredto cover an aperture of the housing 14. The illustrated aperture cover25 is configured to seal the cradle 12 within the housing 14 and securethe cradle therein. The illustrated housing 14 is sized and shaped toreceive the cradle 12 and secure the cradle 12 therein. Advantageously,the housing and cover facilitate convenient storage and travel in amanner that protects the contents and reduces the effective size of thesystem/kit to a minimal level.

In operation of one embodiment of the invention, a user picks up a flosshandle with one hand and another floss handle with the other hand. Theuser couples a coupling member through a top aperture of each flosshandle, thereby coupling a floss cartridge to the pair of floss handles.The coupled device resembles a miniature nunchaku, a traditionalJapanese weapon that has gained popularity as a form to be emulated insome modern toys and game devices. This resemblance of the tools to atoy is advantageous in the pursuit of teaching children to floss becauseit associates the tools with fun. The user manipulates and maneuvers thepair of floss handles to floss between the teeth of the user. The user,upon finishing flossing the user's teeth, actuates an actuation memberof a release mechanism of each floss handle. The user presses down on aback end of the floss handle and disengages the pair of coupling membersfrom the pair of floss handles. The portions of the device may then bestored for future use.

The following are “statements” or, in other words, non-limiting examplesof various embodiments of the invention:

1. A flossing system or tool, comprising

-   -   a) a cradle;    -   b) a floss cartridge, including:        -   b1) a length of floss; and        -   b2) a pair of coupling members each coupled to opposite ends            of the length of floss; wherein each is provided with a            coupling structure; and    -   c) a pair of floss handles disposed on the cradle and selectably        coupleable to the coupling members, including;        -   c1) a cylindrical body, and        -   c2) a release mechanism disposed within the cylindrical body            and configured to selectably disengage the floss handle from            the coupling member.            2. The flossing system or tool of statement 1 further            comprising a housing configured to receive the cradle and            cover a top portion thereof, wherein the floss cartridge is            one of an array of floss cartridges according to statement 1            which are disposed on the cradle.            3. The system or tool of statement 2, wherein the array of            floss cartridges are disposed along each side of the cradle.            4. The system or tool of any preceding statement, wherein            the cradle is provided with a pair of channels configured to            receive the pair of floss handles.            5. The system or tool of any preceding statement, wherein            the release mechanism is provided with an actuation member            disposed through a back end of the cylindrical body of each            of the pair of floss handles.            6. The system or tool of any preceding statement, wherein            the pair of floss handles is each provided with a top            aperture configured to receive the coupling structure of the            pair of coupling members.            7. The system or tool of any preceding statement, wherein            the coupling structure of the pair of coupling members is            each provided with an attachment member having an attachment            end configured to retractably fit inside the top aperture of            each floss handle.            8. The system or tool of any preceding statement, wherein            the pair of floss handles each includes a receiving member            configured to securely attach to the attachment end of the            attachment member.            9. The system or tool of any preceding statement, wherein            the receiving member is coupled to the release mechanism of            the floss handle configured to release the attachment end            from the receiving member.            10. The flossing system or tool of any preceding statement            wherein the release mechanism includes an actuation member            disposed through a back end of the cylindrical body of each            of the pair of floss handles; wherein the pair of floss            handles is each provided with a top aperture configured to            receive the coupling structure of the pair of coupling            members; wherein the coupling structure of the pair of            coupling members each include an attachment member having an            attachment end configured to retractably fit inside the top            aperture of each floss handle; wherein the pair of floss            handles each include a receiving member configured to            securely attach to the attachment end of the attachment            member; wherein the receiving member is coupled to the            release mechanism of the floss handle configured to release            the attachment end from the receiving member.

In one non-limiting embodiment, there may be a compact and convenienttravel kit including a pair of cradles each holding ten floss cartridgeshaving floss lengths of approximately three-quarters of an inch, a pairof floss handles, a durable and stylish housing and a collectiblecharacter trading card.

It is understood that the above-described embodiments are onlyillustrative of the application of the principles of the presentinvention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Thedescribed embodiment is to be considered in all respects only asillustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

For example, although the figures illustrate a particular configurationand set of components for the coupling structures, it is understood thatother structures will fall within the scope of the claims.

Additionally, although the figures illustrate particular sizes, shapesand size relationships of various portions and/or members, it isunderstood that the sizes, shapes and relational sizes of variousembodiments of the present invention are plethoric.

It is also envisioned that a plurality of types of floss may be utilizedin various embodiments of the present invention, including but notlimited to cylindrical floss, tape-style floss, multi-filament floss,waxed/unwaxed floss, flavored floss, colored floss, stylized floss, anddecorated floss and the like and combinations thereof.

It is expected that there could be numerous variations of the design ofthis invention. An example is that the floss handles may be decorated toresemble licensed characters, specific weapons, construction toolhandles, and the like and combinations thereof.

Finally, it is envisioned that the components of the device may beconstructed of a variety of materials, including but not limited tometals, ceramics, plastics, resins, fibers, minerals, polymers,composites, and the like and combinations thereof.

Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above withparticularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed tobe the most practical and preferred embodiment of the invention, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerousmodifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size,materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly anduse may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts ofthe invention as set forth in the claims. Further, it is contemplatedthat an embodiment may be limited to consist of or to consistessentially of one or more of the features, functions, structures,methods described herein.

1. A flossing system, comprising: a) a cradle; b) an array of flosscartridges disposed on the cradle and including: b1) a length of flossb2) a pair of coupling members each coupled to opposite ends of thelength of floss; wherein each including a coupling structure; c) a pairof floss handles disposed on the cradle and selectably coupleable to thecoupling members, including: c1) a cylindrical body, and c2) a releasemechanism disposed within the cylindrical body and configured toselectably disengage the floss handle from the coupling member; and d) ahousing configured to receive the cradle and cover a top portionthereof.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the release mechanismincludes an actuation member disposed through a back end of thecylindrical body of each of the pair of floss handles.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the cradle includes a pair of channels configured toreceive the pair of floss handles.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein thepair of floss handles each include a top aperture configured to receivethe coupling structure of the pair of coupling members.
 5. The system ofclaim 4, wherein the coupling structure of the pair of coupling memberseach include an attachment member having an attachment end configured toretractably fit inside the top aperture of each floss handle.
 6. Thesystem of claim 5, wherein the pair of floss handles each include areceiving member configured to securely attach to the attachment end ofthe attachment member.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the receivingmember is coupled to the release mechanism of the floss handleconfigured to release the attachment end from the receiving member. 8.The system of claim 1, wherein the array of floss cartridges aredisposed along each side of the cradle.
 9. A flossing tool, comprisinga) a pair of floss handles disposed on the cradle and selectablycoupleable to the coupling members, including: a1) a cylindrical body,and a2) a release mechanism disposed within the cylindrical body andconfigured to selectably disengage the floss handle from the couplingmember; and b) a floss cartridge, including: b1) a length of floss; andb2) a pair of coupling members each coupled to opposite ends of thelength of floss; wherein each including a coupling structure.
 10. Thetool of claim 9, wherein the release mechanism includes an actuationmember disposed through a back end of the cylindrical body of each ofthe pair of floss handles.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the pairof floss handles each include a top aperture configured to receive thecoupling structure of the pair of coupling members.
 12. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the coupling structure of the pair of coupling memberseach include an attachment member having an attachment end configured toretractably fit inside the top aperture of each floss handle.
 13. Thesystem of claim 12, wherein the pair of floss handles each include areceiving member configured to securely attach to the attachment end ofthe attachment member.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the receivingmember is coupled to the release mechanism of the floss handleconfigured to release the attachment end from the receiving member. 15.A flossing system, comprising: a) a cradle; b) an array of flosscartridges disposed on the cradle; wherein the array of floss cartridgesare disposed along each side of the cradle; and including: b1) a lengthof floss b2) a pair of coupling members each coupled to opposite ends ofthe length of floss; wherein each including a coupling structure; c) apair of floss handles disposed on the cradle and selectably coupleableto the coupling members, wherein the cradle includes a pair of channelsconfigured to receive the pair of floss handles, including: c1) acylindrical body, and c2) a release mechanism disposed within thecylindrical body and configured to selectably disengage the floss handlefrom the coupling member; wherein the release mechanism includes anactuation member disposed through a back end of the cylindrical body ofeach of the pair of floss handles; wherein the pair of floss handleseach include a top aperture configured to receive the coupling structureof the pair of coupling members; wherein the coupling structure of thepair of coupling members each include an attachment member having anattachment end configured to retractably fit inside the top aperture ofeach floss handle; wherein the pair of floss handles each include areceiving member configured to securely attach to the attachment end ofthe attachment member; wherein the receiving member is coupled to therelease mechanism of the floss handle configured to release theattachment end from the receiving member; and d) a housing configured toreceive the cradle and cover a top portion thereof.